Navigation apparatus and mapping system using personal contacts

ABSTRACT

A navigation apparatus and method which uses personal contact-based route guidance. A route guidance generator receives information about personal contacts including a location, a description and a rating value for route guidance and generates route guidance suitable for navigation applications. The personal contacts based guidance can be combined with normal street and maneuver based guidance.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/785,284 entitled “DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTACT-BASED ROUTINGAND GUIDANCE” filed on Apr. 17, 2007 which is herein incorporated byreference. This application is also related to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/785,294 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,930,135) entitled “DEVICE,SYSTEM AND METHOD OF LANDMARK-BASED ROUTING AND GUIDANCE” filed on Apr.17, 2007 also which is herein incorporated by reference. It is alsorelated to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/563,978 entitled “Device,System and Method of Landmark-Based and Personal Contact-Based RouteGuidance” filed on Dec. 8, 2014 also which is herein incorporated byreference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever

FIELD OF INVENTION

Some embodiments of the invention are related to the field of mappingand route guidance.

BACKGROUND

A mapping system may present a map of a geographical location selectedby a user. The mapping system may further present driving directionsthat allow the user to drive from a first geographical location(“origin”) to a second geographical location (“destination”). Thedriving directions may include a graphical component, for example, agraphical marking of the suggested driving route on a graphical mappresented to the user. Additionally, or alternatively, the drivingdirections may include a textual component, for example, textual phrasesinstructing the user how to drive in order to reach the destination.

The driving directions may be road-based. For example, the textualdriving directions may include phrases such as “Drive north on Broadwayfor a distance of one mile”, “Turn right at the corner of 37th Street”,“Drive east on 37th street for a distance of half a mile”, or the like.Similarly, graphical driving directions may include a map of therelevant area, in which the route segments of the suggested drivingroute may be highlighted.

Unfortunately, the driving directions provided by the mapping system maybe difficult to use. For example, a driver instructed to make a rightturn on a certain street, may miss the turn, e.g., because of absence ofan appropriate street sign at the relevant corner, because of lowvisibility of the street sign, or the like. Additionally, some mappingsystems may utilize or generate outdated maps, incomplete maps, or otheroutdated content or inaccurate content.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the invention may include, for example, devices,systems and methods of landmark-based routing and guidance and/orcontact-based routing and guidance.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes: a route guidance informationgenerator adapted to receive a plural ity of personal contactsassociated respectively with at least one of: a plurality of road-basedaddresses, or a plurality of latitude and longitude data items; and togenerate route guidance information including a reference to at leastone of the personal contacts.

In some embodiments, the route guidance information generator is adaptedto include the reference in the route guidance information based on anestimated efficiency of navigation using the reference.

In some embodiments, the route guidance information includes: a firstportion of route guidance information corresponding to a route portionfrom an origin point to one of the personal contacts; and a secondportion of route guidance information corresponding to a route portionfrom one of the personal contacts to a destination point.

In some embodiments, the route guidance information generator is adaptedto determine a route from an origin point to a destination point,wherein the route is different than the shortest route from the originpoint to the destination point, and wherein the route includes areference to at least one personal contact.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a converter toconvert the personal contacts from a first format associated with acomputing device to a second format associated with a mapping system.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a map generator thatgenerates a map, including: at least a portion of a route from an originpoint to a destination point; and an indication of a reference to atleast one personal contact.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a map generator adapted toreceive a plurality of personal contacts associated respectively with atleast one of: a plurality of road-based addresses, or a plurality oflatitude and longitude data items; and to generate a map including aplurality of indications corresponding to the personal contacts.

In some embodiments, positions of the indications on the map correspondto at least one of: positions of the road-based addresses, or positionsof the latitude and longitude data items.

In some embodiments, the map generator is adapted to generate a mapincluding a subset of indications corresponding respectively to aselected subset of the plurality of personal contacts.

In some embodiments, the map generator is adapted to generate a mapselectively including one or more indications corresponding respectivelyto one or more personal contacts located within a pre-defined range froma destination point.

In some embodiments, a method includes; receiving a plurality ofpersonal contacts associated respectively with at least one of: aplurality of road-based addresses, or a plurality of latitude andlongitude data items; and generating route guidance informationincluding a reference to at least one of the personal contacts.

In some embodiments, generating includes, for example: including orinserting a reference in the route guidance information to at least oneof the personal contacts based on an estimated efficiency of navigationusing the reference.

In some embodiments, generating includes: generating a first portion ofroute guidance information corresponding to a route portion from anorigin point to one of the personal contacts; and generating a secondportion of route guidance information corresponding to a route portionfrom one of the personal contacts to a destination point.

In some embodiments, the method further includes determining a routefrom an origin point to a destination point, wherein the route isdifferent than the shortest route from the origin point to thedestination point, and wherein the route includes a reference to atleast one personal contact.

In some embodiments, the method further includes converting personalcontacts from a first format associated with a computing device to asecond format associated with a mapping system.

In some embodiments, generating includes generating a map having atleast a portion of a route from an origin point to a destination point,and an indication of a reference to at least one personal contact.

In some embodiments, a method includes: receiving a plurality ofpersonal contacts associated respectively with at least one of: aplurality of road-based addresses, or a plurality of latitude andlongitude data items; and generating a map including a plurality ofindications corresponding to personal contacts.

In some embodiments, generating includes generating a map havingpositions of indications corresponding to at least one of: positions ofthe road-based addresses, or positions of the latitude and longitudedata items.

In some embodiments, generating includes generating a map having asubset of indications corresponding respectively to a selected subset ofa plurality of personal contacts.

In some embodiments, generating includes generating a map selectivelyincluding one or more indications corresponding respectively to one ormore personal contacts located within a pre-defined range from adestination point.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a route guidance informationgenerator adapted to generate route guidance information including oneor more road-based references and one or more landmark-based references.

In some embodiments, the route guidance information generator is adaptedto selectively include a landmark-based reference in the route guidanceinformation based on the efficiency of navigation using thelandmark-based reference.

In some embodiments, the route guidance information generator is adaptedto include in the route guidance information a reference to at least oneof: an address of a personal contact associated with a user, or alatitude and longitude data item of the personal contact associated withthe user.

In some embodiments, the route guidance information generator is adaptedto select, based on one or more pre-defined criteria, a first landmarkfrom a plurality of navigation landmarks, and to generate route guidanceinformation including a reference to the selected landmark.

In some embodiments, the route guidance information generator is adaptedto selectively include a reference to a first landmark in the routeguidance information and to selectively exclude a reference to a secondlandmark from the route guidance information if a visibility of thefirst landmark from a route segment is greater than a visibility of thesecond landmark from the route segment.

In some embodiments, the route guidance information generator is adaptedto selectively include a reference to a first landmark in the routeguidance information and to selectively exclude a reference to a secondlandmark from the route guidance information if the first landmark isincluded in a list of cooperating landmarks and the second landmark isnot included in the list of cooperating landmarks.

In some embodiments, the route guidance information generator is adaptedto selectively include a reference to a first landmark in the routeguidance information if it is contextually associated with adestination.

In some embodiments, the route guidance information generator is adaptedto generate route guidance information including a reference to anoff-route landmark.

In some embodiments, the off-route landmark is selected from a groupconsisting of: landmarks located away from a node of the route,landmarks located away from a route segment, landmarks located away froman intersection of route segments, landmarks located along a routesegment, and landmarks inaccessible by vehicle from the route.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a landmark databaseoperably associated with at least one of: a map generator, a routegenerator, and the route guidance information generator, wherein thelandmark database is adapted to store landmark description dataassociated with landmark location data; and an updater to automaticallyupdate information stored in the landmark database based on inputreceived from one or more client devices located remotely from thelandmark database.

In some embodiments, the input received consists of at least one of thefollowing: an input indicating a request to add a new landmark, an inputindicating a request to delete a landmark. an input indicating a requestto modify a landmark location, and an input indicating a request tomodify a landmark description.

In some embodiments, at least one of the landmark description data andthe landmark location data is associated with a quality indicator value

In some embodiments, the route guidance information generator generatesroute guidance information including a reference to the landmarkdescription data if the quality indicator value is greater than apre-defined threshold.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a route guidance informationgenerator adapted to generate route guidance information having anavigation reassurance information item.

In some embodiments, the navigation reassurance information itemincludes an information item associated with a landmark visible from asegment of the route.

In some embodiments, the navigation-reassurance item includesinformation indicating to a traveler he/she is on the correct route.

In some embodiments, a method includes generating route guidanceinformation including one or more road-based references and one or morelandmark-based references.

In some embodiments, the method further includes, for example: includingor inserting a landmark-based reference in the route guidanceinformation based on efficiency of navigation using the landmark-basedreference.

In some embodiments, the method includes, for example: including orinserting in the route guidance information a reference to at least oneof: an address of a personal contact associated with a user, or alatitude and longitude data item of the personal contact associated withthe user.

In some embodiments, the method includes, based on one or morepre-defined criteria, selecting a first landmark from a plurality ofnavigation landmarks and generating route guidance information includinga reference to the landmark.

In some embodiments, the method includes, for example: selectivelyincluding or inserting a reference to a first landmark in the routeguidance information and selectively excludes a reference to a secondlandmark from the route guidance information if a visibility of thefirst landmark from a route segment is greater than a visibility of thesecond landmark from the route segment.

In some embodiments, the method includes, for example: selectivelyincluding or inserting a reference to the first landmark in the routeguidance information and selectively excludes a reference to a secondlandmark from the route guidance information if the first landmark isincluded in a list of cooperating landmarks and the second landmark isnot included in the list of cooperating landmarks.

In some embodiments, the method includes, for example: selectivelyincluding or inserting a reference to a first landmark in the routeguidance information if the first landmark is contextually associatedwith a destination of the route.

In some embodiments, the method includes generating route guidanceinformation including a reference to an off-route landmark.

In some embodiments, generating route guidance information whichincludes an off-route landmark selected from a group consisting of:landmarks located away from a node of the route, landmarks located awayfrom a route segment, landmarks located away from an intersection ofroute segments, landmarks located along a route segment, and landmarksinaccessible by vehicle from the route.

In some embodiments, the method includes creating a landmark databaseoperably associated with at least one of: a map generator, a routegenerator, and the route guidance information generator, wherein thelandmark database is adapted to store landmark description dataassociated with landmark location data; and the method further includes,for example, automatically updating information stored in the landmarkdatabase based on input received from one or more client devices locatedremotely from the landmark database.

In some embodiments, updating includes information updates based onselected input received, including, for example: an input indicating arequest to add a new landmark, an input indicating a request to delete alandmark, an input indicating a request to modify a landmark location,and an input indicating a request to modify a landmark description.

In some embodiments, at least one of the landmark description data andthe landmark location data is associated with a quality indicator value.

In some embodiments, the method includes: generating route guidanceinformation including a reference to the landmark description data ifthe quality indicator value is greater than a pre-defined threshold.

In some embodiments, a method includes generating route guidanceinformation including a navigation reassurance information item.

In some embodiments, generating the navigation reassurance informationitem includes generating an information item associated with a landmarkvisible from a segment of the route.

In some embodiments, generating the navigation reassurance informationitem includes generating an information item indicating to a traveler heI she is on the correct route.

Some embodiments may include, for example, a computer program productincluding a computer-useable medium including a computer-readableprogram, wherein the computer-readable program, when executed on acomputer, causes the computer to perform methods in accordance with someembodiments of the invention.

Some embodiments of the invention may provide other and/or additionalbenefits and/or advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in thefigures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, thedimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to otherelements for clarity of presentation. Furthermore, reference numeralsmay be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogouselements. The figures are listed below.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustration of a mapping systemable to generate landmark-based route guidance information in accordancewith a demonstrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustration of a mapping systemable to generate landmark-based route guidance information in accordancewith another demonstrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of demonstrative maps and routeswhich may be generated using an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a different schematic illustration of demonstrative maps androutes which may be generated using an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is yet another schematic illustration of demonstrative maps androutes which may be generated using an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a final schematic illustration of demonstrative maps androutes which may be generated using an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow-chart of a method of mapping and routing inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of some embodimentsof the invention. However, it will be understood by persons of ordinaryskill in the art that embodiments of the invention may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures, components, units and/or circuits have not been described indetail so as not to obscure the discussion.

Embodiments of the invention may be used in a variety of applications.Some embodiments of the invention may be used in conjunction withvarious devices and systems, for example, a personal computer (PC), adesktop computer, a mobile computer, a laptop computer, a notebookcomputer, a tablet computer, a server computer, a handheld computer, ahandheld device, a personal digital assistant (PDA} device, a handheldPDA device, an on-board device, an off-board device, a hybrid device, avehicular device, a non-vehicular device, a mobile or portable device, anon-mobile or non-portable device, a display unit, a monitor, a screen,a projector, a cathode ray tube (CRT) screen or monitor, a liquidcrystal display (LCD) screen or monitor, a plasma screen or monitor, atouch screen, a projector device, a set-top box, a wirelesscommunication station, a wireless communication device, a wirelessaccess point (AP), a modem, a network, a wireless network, a local areanetwork (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN),a wireless MAN (WMAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless WAN (WWAN), a personal area network (PAN), a wireless PAN (WP AN), devicesand/or networks operating in accordance with existing IEEE 802.11,802.11 a, 802. 11 b, 802.11 e, 802.11 g, 802.11 h, 802.11 i, 802.11 n,802.16, 802.16d, 802. l 6e standards and/or future versions and/orderivatives and/or long term evolution (LTE) of the above standards,units and/or devices which are part of the above networks, one wayand/or two-way radio communication systems, cellular radio-telephonecommunication systems, a cellular telephone, a wireless telephone, apersonal communication systems (PCS) device, a PDA device whichincorporates a wireless communication device, a mobile or portableglobal positioning system (GPS) device, a device which incorporates aGPS receiver or transceiver or chip, a device which incorporates an RFIDelement or chip, a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transceiver ordevice, a single input multiple output (SIMO) transceiver or device, amultiple input single output (MISO) transceiver or device, or the like.

Some embodiments of the invention may be used in conjunction with one ormore types of wireless communication signals and/or systems, forexample, radio frequency (RF), infrared {IR), frequency-divisionmultiplexing (FDM), orthogonal FDM (OFDM), time-division multiplexing(TDM), time-division multiple access (TDMA), extended TOMA (E-TDMA),general packet radio service (GPRS), extended GPRS, code-divisionmultiple access (CDMA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), CDMA 2000, multi-carriermodulation (MDM), discrete multi-tone (DMT), Bluetooth®, globalpositioning system (GPS), Wi-Fi, ZigBee™, global system for mobilecommunication (GSM), 2G, 2.5G, 3G, 3.5G, or the like. Embodiments of theinvention may be used in various other devices, systems and/or networks.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,discussions utilizing terms such as, for example, “processing,”“computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “establishing”, “analyzing”,“checking”, or the like, may refer to operation(s) and/or process(es) ofa computer, a computing platform, a computing system, or otherelectronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform datarepresented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within thecomputer's registers and/or memories into other data similarlyrepresented as physical quantities within the computer's registersand/or memories or other information storage medium that may storeinstructions to perform operations and/or processes.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the terms “plurality” and “a plurality” as used herein may include, forexample, “multiple” or “two or more”. The terms “plurality” or “aplurality” may be used throughout the specification to describe two ormore components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. Forexample, “a plurality of items” may include two or more items.

Although portions of the discussion herein may relate, for demonstrativepurposes, to wired links and/or wired communications, embodiments of theinvention are not limited in this regard, and may include one or morewired links, may utilize one or more components of wirelesscommunication, may utilize one or more methods or protocols of wirelesscommunication, or the like. Some embodiments of the invention mayutilize wired communication and/or wireless communication, for example,universal serial bus (USB) communication, Fire Wire or IEEE 1394communication, Ethernet communication, serial or parallel communication,or the like.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “mapping system” as used herein may include, for example, adevice or system able to generate and/or render and/or present a map, adevice or system able to geo-locate and/or geo-translate, a device orsystem able to selectively display landmarks on top of maps and/orinstead of maps and/or in addition to maps, a device or system able togenerate and/or render and/or present one or more (e.g., different) mapviews, a device or system able to generate and/or present drivingdirections, a device or system able to calculate or determine routes, adevice or system able to perform routing and/or route selection, anavigation device or system, a location device or system, a routeguidance device or system, or the like. Although embodiments of theinvention are not limited in this regard, the term “mapping system” asused herein may include, for example, one or more units, devices orsystems able to perform mapping, routing, route guidance generation,displaying or presenting a map, displaying or presenting a route,displaying or presenting route guidance information, dynamicallymodifying maps and/or routes and/or route guidance information (e.g.,utilizing GPS data or real time data or dynamic data), or the like.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “route guidance” as used herein may include, for example,textual route guidance and/or driving directions, graphical routeguidance and/or driving directions, audible route guidance and/ordriving directions, projected route guidance and/or driving directions,printed route guidance and/or driving directions, route guidance and/ordriving directions generated and/or presented using graphics and/oraudio and/or video and/or animation and/or projections, two-dimensional(2D) or three-dimensional (3D) rendering, elevations, walkingdirections, flying directions, or the like.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “landmark” as used herein may include, for example, variousobjects or items which may be used for route guidance, navigation, routerecognition, destination recognition, or the like. In some embodiments,a landmark may include, for example, a conspicuous object or item orstructure that may be used to mark or distinguish a locality or apoint-of-interest (POI), or an object or item or structure which may beused as a point of orientation or may facilitate recognizing oridentifying a locality or a POI. In some embodiments, a “landmark” mayinclude a well-known, substantially permanent, recognizable or easilyrecognizable geographic feature. In some embodiments, a landmark mayinclude, for example, a statue, a sculpture, a piece of art, a waterfountain, a road sign, a sign, a public transport station, a busstation, a subway station, a train station, a playground, a sportsground or field, a monument, a historical structure, a utilitystructure, a windmill, a water container, a water silo, an agriculturestructure, an open market, a parking, a bridge, a board walk, a streetsign, an advertisement sign, a billboard, a tower, a high building, astructure, a high structure, a column, a citadel, a castle, a high rise,a pillar, a skyscraper, a building, a wall, a construction, a formation,a flag, a beacon, a clock tower, an arc, or the like. In someembodiments, a landmark may include, for example, a businessestablishment, a private house, a public house, a branch of a businessestablishment, a bank, a financial institution, an entertainment venue,a theater, a cinema, a stadium, a ball field, a supermarket, a grocerystore, a shop, a coffee shop, a clothes shop, a church, a synagogue, areligious center,′ a hospital, a medical center, a medical clinic, aschool, a university, a sports arena or stadium, a sports venue, anentertainment venue, a theater, a museum, a railway, a train station, abuilding or structure having a unique shape or size, a building orstructure which is relatively easily recognizable, a well-known buildingor structure, a substantially permanent or non-temporary structure,land-use feature(s) (e.g., a Jake, a river, a forest, a dune), or thelike. In some embodiments, a landmark may include, for example, avisible indication, a graffiti or a mural painted on a wall, towers,mountains, lakes, a blinking sign, an animated sign, a moving lightssign, or the like. In some embodiments, a landmark may include, forexample, an item or object that is not part of a route, an off-route oroff-network item or object, an item or object which may not be directlyaccessed or directly reached by a vehicle, an item or object which maynot be driven-on or driven-through, an item or an object that isexternal to a route or to a route segment, or the like. In someembodiments, a landmark may include, for example, an item or object awayfrom a route or from a route segment, an item or object distant from aroute or a route segment, an item or object which may not be at ajunction or a crossroad route segments, or the like.

In some embodiments, a landmark may be used for routing, route guidance,navigation, reassurance, recognition, and/or other purposes, optionallyin connection with reaching to, or recognizing, a POI which a particularuser (or a group of users) may find useful or interesting. In someembodiments, a landmark may be, whereas a POI may not necessarily be,useful for routing, route guidance, navigation, reassurance,recognition, and/or other purposes. For example, a substantially“hidden” or not visible barber shop located at the back area of a secondfloor in a “strip mall” may be a POI for one or more users, but may notbe used efficiently as a landmark for routing, route guidance,navigation, reassurance, recognition, and/or other purposes. In someembodiments, a landmark may be used for routing, route guidance,navigation, reassurance, recognition, and/or other purposes, as well asPOis, business listings, land-use features, or the like.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “map” as used herein may include, for example, a street-basedmap, a road-based map, a street map, a road map, a geographical map, avector map, a raster map, a topographic map, a city map, a digitalchart, a bird's eye view map, a satellite map, a pictorial map, a 20map, a 3D map, a traffic map, or the like. In some embodiments, a “map”need not necessarily be a graphical representation, but may be or mayinclude data or information (e.g., content of a database) from which agraphical map may be generated or from which a rendering may begenerated or from which route guidance information may be generated.

In some embodiments, a map may include features, classifications (orfeature categories), and attributes. Features may include, for example,line features, area features, and/or point features. Attributes mayinclude descriptions of features. For example, a road may be a featurewhich may be classified into types (e.g., freeways, arterials, streets,unpaved roads, etc.). A road of a particular type may be attributed as aone-way road, restricted to non-residents between 08:00 and 17:00, of aprimary name “Sixth Avenue”, of an alternate name “Avenue of theAmericas”, with an address ranging from one number to another number onone side and another range on the other side, of speed limit “50 milesper hour”, or the like.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “road-based” as used herein may relate to, for example, asystem or method that utilizes roads (e.g., streets, avenues,boulevards, highways, freeways, road networks, street networks, or thelike) and their attributes (e.g., street names, address range, turnrestrictions, lane information, speed limit, or the like) in order togenerate a map, to determine a route, to generate route-guidanceinformation, or to perform other navigation-related operations.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “navigation” as used herein may include, for example, one ormore navigation-related or navigation-associated operations, forexample, generating a map, utilizing a map, route planning, determininga route from an origin to a destination, generating route guidanceinformation, positioning, generating or handling GPS information, or thelike.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “mapping” as used herein may include, for example, generatingor rendering a map, generating or rendering a portion of a map,generating or rendering a layer which may be overlaid onto a map,combining or overlaying one or more layers onto a map, combining oroverlaying multiple map layers, or the like.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “routing” as used herein may include, for example, determininga route from an origin to a destination, calculating a route from anorigin to a destination, selecting a route from an origin to adestination, suggesting one or more alternative routes from an origin toa destination, determining one or more route segments or route portionsthat allow a user to go from an origin to a destination, or the like.

Although portions of the discussion herein may refer, for demonstrativepurposes, to an itinerary, a route, a route plan, a map, or routeguidance information that refer to one origin and one destination,embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, and may beused in conjunction with multiple origins and/or multiple destinations.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “personal contact” as used herein may include, for example, apersonal contact associated with a user or 08:00 and 17:00, of a primaryname “Sixth Avenue”, of an alternate name “Avenue of the Americas”, withan address ranging from one number to another number on one side andanother range on the other side, of speed limit “50 miles per hour”, orthe like.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “road-based” as used herein may relate to, for example, asystem or method that utilizes roads (e.g., streets, avenues,boulevards, highways, freeways, road networks, street networks, or thelike) and their attributes (e.g., street names, address range, turnrestrictions, lane information, speed limit, or the like) in order togenerate a map, to determine a route, to generate route-guidanceinformation, or to perform other navigation-related operations.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “navigation” as used herein may include, for example, one ormore navigation-related or navigation-associated operations, forexample, generating a map, utilizing a map, route planning, determininga route from an origin to a destination, generating route guidanceinformation, positioning, generating or handling GPS information, or thelike.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “mapping” as used herein may include, for example, generatingor rendering a map, generating or rendering a portion of a map,generating or rendering a layer which may be overlaid onto a map,combining or overlaying one or more layers onto a map, combining oroverlaying multiple map layers, or the like.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “routing” as used herein may include, for example, determininga route from an origin to a destination, calculating a route from anorigin to a destination, selecting a route from an origin to adestination, suggesting one or more alternative routes from an origin toa destination, determining one or more route segments or route portionsthat allow a user to go from an origin to a destination, or the like.

Although portions of the discussion herein may refer, for demonstrativepurposes, to an itinerary, a route, a route plan, a map, or routeguidance information that refer to one origin and one destination,embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, and may beused in conjunction with multiple origins and/or multiple destinations.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “personal contact” as used herein may include, for example, apersonal contact associated with a user or for example, walkingdirections, running directions, jogging directions, bicyclingdirections, hiking directions, motorbiking directions, horse traildirections, horse riding directions, flying directions, sailingdirections, boating directions, swimming directions, travelingdirections, directions suitable or tailored for a particular group oftravelers (e.g., drivers, hikers, joggers, handicapped persons,children, or the like), or other types of directions.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “node” as used herein may include, for example, a junction, aroad junction, a crossroad, an end of a street, an end of a road, an endof a route segment, a point or location at which a traveler is requiredto make a turn or to modify its traveling direction, a point or locationat which it is possible for a traveler to make a turn or to modify itstraveling direction, a decision point in a routing network, or the like.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “link” as used herein may include, for example, a map-segmentor map-portion or route-segment or route-portion that connects betweennodes. For example, two nodes may be decision-points or maneuver-points,and a link may be a route segment that connects the two nodes.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “recognition” as used herein may include, for example,determining or understanding by a user that a particular landmark isindeed the one the user is looking for, or determining or understandingby a user that a particular maneuver or decision is correct. Forexample, in some embodiments, a user may be looking for a destinationpoint which is a particular restaurant; the user may not “recognize”that particular restaurant because it does not have a prominentlyvisible sign or banner showing the restaurant name, and the user may“recognize” that particular restaurant because route guidanceinformation indicates to the user that the restaurant is pyramid-shapedand the user “recognizes” the structural shape. This “recognition” of alandmark may further be referred to as “identification” of the landmark.In some embodiments, recognition or identification may be used, forexample, in conjunction with destination points, decision points,waypoints, routes, route segments, or the like. For example, routeguidance information may advise the user to make a right turn at thecorner of Broadway and 37th street, and that the corner can berecognized or identified by a graffiti sign; and the user may indeedrecognize or identify the corner, at which a turn is required, based onthe identifying graffiti sign. In some embodiments, a “recognitioninformation item” may include an information item that allows the userto make an appropriate maneuver or decision or determination.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,the term “reassurance” as used herein may include, for example, noticingor understanding by a user that an already-performed (orcurrently-performed) decision, maneuver or determination is correct. Forexample, in some embodiments, route guidance information may advise theuser to drive along road 1-95 for a distance of ten miles, and areassurance information item may advise the user that while he drives onthat portion of road 1-95 he can expect to see a lake on his left side.Upon actually seeing the lake on his left side, and based on thereassurance information item, the user may be reassured that he isdriving along the correct road. In contrast, if the user drives forapproximately ten miles on a road, which he believes to be road 1-95,but does not see a lake on his left side, then the driver mayunderstand—based on the reassurance information item—that his belief isincorrect and that he is not traveling on road 1-95. In someembodiments, reassurance may be achieved immediately after performing amaneuver, or after a time period passed or a distance was traveled fromthe maneuver.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a mapping system 100able to generate landmark-based route guidance information in accordancewith a demonstrative embodiment of the invention. System 100 mayinclude, for example, a processor 111, an input unit 112, an output unit113, a memory unit 114, a storage unit 115, and a communication unit116. System 100 may optionally include other suitable hardwarecomponents and/or software components.

In some embodiments, the components of system 100 may be enclosed in,for example, a common housing, packaging, or the like, and may beinterconnected or operably associated using one or more wired orwireless links. In other embodiments, for example, components of system100 may be distributed among multiple or separate devices, may beimplemented using a client/server configuration or system, maycommunicate using remote access methods, or the like.

Processor 111 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU),a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a host processor, acontroller, a plurality of processors or controllers, a chip, amicrochip, one or more circuits, circuitry, a logic unit, an integratedcircuit (IC), an application-specific IC (ASIC), or any other suitablemulti-purpose or specific processor or controller. Processor 111 may,for example, execute instructions, execute one or more softwareapplications, and process signals and/or data transmitted and/orreceived by system 100.

Input unit 112 may include, for example, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse,a touch-pad, a stylus, a scanner, a microphone, or other suitablepointing device or input device. Output unit 113 may include, forexample, a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor or display unit, a liquidcrystal display (LCD) monitor or display unit, a plasma screen, ascreen, a touch screen, a monitor, a projector, a speaker, or othersuitable display unit or output device.

Memory unit 114 may include, for example, a random access memory (RAM),a read only memory (ROM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a synchronous DRAM(SD-RAM), a flash memory, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, acache memory, a buffer, a short term memory unit, a long term memoryunit, or other suitable memory units or storage units. Storage unit 115may include, for example, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, acompact disk (CD) drive, a CD-ROM drive, a digital versatile disk (DVD)drive, or other suitable removable or non-removable storage units.Memory unit 114 and/or storage unit 115 may, for example, store dataprocessed by system 100.

Communication unit 116 may include, for example, a wired or wirelessnetwork interface card (NIC), a wired or wireless modem, a wired orwireless receiver and/or transmitter, a wired or wirelesstransmitter-receiver and/or transceiver, a radio frequency (RF)communication unit or transceiver, a GPS unit, a OPS chip, a GPSreceiver, a GPS transceiver, or other units able to transmit and/orreceive signals, blocks, frames, transmission streams, packets, messagesand/or data. Communication unit 116 may optionally include, or mayoptionally be associated with, for example, one or more antennas, e.g.,a dipole antenna, a monopole antenna, an omni-directional antenna, anend fed antenna, a circularly polarized antenna, a micro-strip antenna,a diversity antenna, or the like.

System 100 may further include, for example, a map generator 131 and aroute guidance generator 132. The map generator 131 may include a moduleor a unit able to generate and/or render a map or a portion thereof, forexample, corresponding to geographical area or corresponding to a routebetween an origin and a destination with possible in-between waypoints.The route guidance generator 132 may include a module or a unit able togenerate route guidance information associated with moving from anorigin to a destination. System 100 may optionally include a routinggenerator 136, for example, a module or a unit able to determine orcalculate a route from an origin to a destination. In some embodiments,routing generator 136 may be implemented, for example, in combinationwith map generator 131, in combination with route guidance generator132, or as a stand-alone or separate routing unit.

The map generator 131 and the route guidance generator 132 may beoperably associated with one or more databases, for example, a mapdatabase 121, a landmark database 122, and a personal contact database123. Optionally, map generator 131 and/or route guidance generator 132may utilize a geocoder 133 and/or a reverse geocoder 134, for example,including modules or units able to convert street-based address data tolatitude/longitude data or vice versa. In some embodiments, optionally,map generator 131 and/or route guidance generator 132 may be operableassociated with, or may utilize, a GPS unit 135, for example, a GPSreceiver, a GPS transceiver, a GPS positioning unit, a GPS informationgenerator unit, or the like.

The map database 121 may include, for example, geographical information,spatial information, geo-spatial information, data from which a map maybe generated and/or rendered by map generator 131, and/or data fromwhich route guidance information may be generated by route guidancegenerator 132.

The landmark database 122 may include, for example, data indicating ageographical location and/or spatial location and/or geo-spatiallocation of a landmark, as well as a description (e.g., a textualdescription, a graphical description, or the like) associated with thelandmark. The landmark database 122 may optionally include one or morelinked databases or related databases, or may be operably linked orrelated to other databases.

For example, in some embodiments, a first record in the landmarkdatabase 122 may include a category such as “Water Fountain” and adescription attribute or a name attribute such as “The Happy Lion”, andmay be associated with a location attribute of “North-eastern corner of53rd Street and 6th Avenue in New York, N.Y., United States” or arepresentation thereof. A second record in the landmark database 122 mayinclude a category such as “Building”, and a description attribute or aname attribute such as “Flatiron Building”, and may be associated with alocation of “175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y., United States” or with alatitude value of 40.740996 and a longitude value of −73.989805. Thelandmark database 122 may include various other and/or additionalcategories and attributes, for example, a category, a sub-category, aname attribute, a description attribute, a location attribute, afunctional attribute associated with a function of the landmark, one ormore visualization attributes associated with visual characteristics ofthe landmark, or the like. Visualization attributes and/or otherattributes may include, for example, textual information, graphicalinformation, audio information, video information, photographs,pictorial information, illustrations, animation, audio/videoinformation, icons, iconized information, 2D information, 3Dinformation, or the like.

In some embodiments, the landmark database 122 may include informationof pre-defined landmarks. In some embodiments, mapping system 100 may beconfigured such that the information stored in the landmark database 122may not be modified, updated, deleted and/or augmented by remote usersthat utilize the mapping system 100, and/or such that the informationstored in the landmark database 122 may be selectively modified,updated, deleted and/or augmented by a system administrator controllingthe mapping system 100. In other embodiments, some portions of theinformation stored in the landmark database 122 may not be modified byusers of the mapping system 100, for example, information related tocertain historic landmarks, famous buildings, monuments, or the like;whereas other portions of the information stored in the landmarkdatabase may be modified by users of the mapping system 100, forexample, information related to coffee shops or bank branches. In yetother embodiments, substantially all the information stored in thelandmark database 100 may be modified by users of the mapping system,for example, to allow dynamic updating and/or correction of theinformation stored in the landmark database 122. In some embodiments,optionally, an updater unit or module 125 may be used to perform manualupdating or modification of the landmark database 122, automaticupdating or modification of the landmark database 122, and/or user-basedor user feedback-based updating or modification of the landmark database122.

The personal contacts database 123 may include, for example, a list ordatabase of personal contacts associated with a user or with multipleusers. The personal contacts database 123 may include, for example,names, addresses, longitude and latitude, telephone numbers, facsimilenumbers, electronic mail (Email) addresses, web-site addresses (URLs),or the like. In some embodiments, for example, the personal contactsdatabase 123 may include a list stored in a mobile computing device, acellular phone, a mobile phone, a PDA device, a hybrid PDA/mobile-phonedevice, a laptop, an Email application (e.g., Microsoft® Outlook®,Microsoft® Outlook Express®, or the like), a database application (e.g.,Microsoft® Excel®, Microsoft® Access®, or the like), a customerrelationship management (CRM) system (e.g., SAP®, Siebel®, SalesForce®),or other lists of personal contacts. In some embodiments, optionally,the personal contacts database 123 may be stored in a remote (e.g.,mobile or portable) device or unit. In some embodiments, optionally, thepersonal contacts database 123 may include information converted,imported and/or exported from a first format to a second format. In someembodiments, optionally, information stored in the personal contactsdatabase 123 may be converted or re-formatted to accommodate apre-defined information exchange format utilized by mapping system 100.Optionally, information conversion or re-formatting may be performed,for example, prior to or subsequent to storing the information in thepersonal contacts database 123. In some embodiments, optionally,personal contacts information may be imported, converted and/orre-formatted from a first format to a second format utilizing animporter/converter module 124, which may be included in mapping system100 or may be operably associated with mapping system 100 or withpersonal contacts database 123.

In some embodiments, map generator 131 may generate and/or render a mapusing the information stored in the map database 121, optionallyutilizing geocoder 133, reverse geocoder 134, and/or a or GPS unit 135.The generated map may optionally include multiple layers. For example, afirst layer of the generated map may optionally include road-basedgeographical information, e.g., showing streets and avenues, showingstreet names, or the like. A second layer of the generated map mayoptionally include photograph-based geographical information, e.g.,satellite photographs or portions thereof. A third layer of thegenerated map may optionally include landmarks, e.g., bank branches,coffee shops, monuments, water fountains, or the like. A fourth layer ofthe generated map may optionally include personal contact informationconverted into geo-spatial information, e.g., indications correspondingto addresses included in the personal contacts database. The generatedmap may include other layers or other combinations of layers.

In some embodiments, the generated map may include a road-based mapshowing streets and avenues, whereas additional map layers (e.g.,personal contacts, landmarks, or the like) may be overlaid on top of themap. For example, one or more information layers may be substantiallyseparate from the generated map, and may be overlaid or superimposed onthe generated map. In other embodiments, the generated map mayintegrally include both the road-based map and one or more generatedlayers (e.g., personal contacts, landmarks, or the like).

In some embodiments, layers may be generated and/or presented inaccordance with a pre-defined order or a user-selectable order. In someembodiments, layers may be removed or added from the map in response to.a user request. In some embodiments, a user interface (UI) or agraphical UI (GUI) may be utilized to allow a user to add or removelayers or sets of layers, to toggle a layer on and off, to switch amongpre-defined sets of layers, or to otherwise control layers of thegenerated map. In some embodiments, layers may include pointers,numerals, or other indicators to indicate landmarks or personal contactson the map, for example, using a permanent indication, a flashing orblinking indication, an animated indication, a balloon or bubbleindication, a pushpin indication, a highlighted or colorful indication,an indication visible upon hovering of a pointing device (e.g., a mouse)over a certain point of the map, or the like. In some embodiments, oneor more audio indications, voice indications and/or sound indicationsmay be used, for example, to indicate or to convey landmark informationor landmark attributes.

In some embodiments, the mapping system 100 may optionally generate, forexample, upon a user's request, a map showing the geo-spatial locationof some or substantially all of the addresses and/or substantially allthe entries that the user stored in the personal contacts database 123.Optionally, the generated map may include indications (e.g., textualindications, graphical indications, pointers, or the like) showinginformation (e.g., name and title and logo) about the personal contactin proximity to its location on the generated map. For example, theindication “John Smith, Attorney” may appear in a balloon or bubbleindicator pointing towards the point of the generated map associatedwith the geographical address of John Smith according to the personalcontacts database 123.

In some embodiments, the user may request a map including geographicalindications of substantially all of the personal contacts associatedwith that user, and in response the mapping system 100 may generate therequested map. In other embodiments, the user may request a mapincluding indications of a selected subset of the personal contactsassociated with that user, and in response the mapping system 100 maygenerate the requested map. For example, the user may request a mapincluding indications of personal contacts which may be pre-selected ormarked by the user; the user may request a map including indications ofpersonal contacts having a common attribute (e.g., family members,professional associates, clients, suppliers, entertainmentestablishments, entitles or categories containing a selected word (e.g.,“attorney” or “restaurant” or “Smith”), or the like); the user mayrequest a map including indications of personal contacts located in acertain city, located within a selected range or radius from a certainlandmark or address or city; the user may request a map includingindications of personal contacts located in a destination city, near adestination city, near a destination point, near a latitude/longitudepoint, or the like. In response, the mapping system 100 may generate therequested map.

In some embodiments, the route guidance generator 132 may generateroute. guidance information which may include road-based route guidanceinformation, landmark-based route guidance information, and/or personalcontacts route guidance information. For example, a user may requestroute guidance information for moving from an origin point to adestination point. In response, the route guidance generator 132 maygenerate a route having multiple route segments, associated withmultiple portions of route guidance information. A portion of the routeguidance information may be, for example, “Go south on Broadway and turnright on 23rd Street”, corresponding to road-based route guidance. Aportion of the route guidance information may be, for example, “Go southon Broadway and turn right at the Flatiron building”, corresponding tolandmark-based route guidance. A portion of the route guidanceinformation may be, for example, “Go south on Broadway and turn right on23rd Street, namely, turn right at the Flatiron building”, correspondingto both road-based route guidance and landmark-based route guidance. Aportion of the route guidance information may be, for example, “Go southon Broadway and turn right at the Citibank branch located at the cornerof 32nd Street” corresponding to road-based route guidance combined withlandmark-based information. A portion of the route guidance informationmay be, for example, “Go south on Broadway and turn right at the firststreet after you pass the Cinemax theater on your right side”corresponding to road-based route guidance combined with landmark-basedinformation. A portion of the route guidance information may be, forexample, “From the origin, drive towards your mother's house, and turnright after crossing your mother's house on the right side”,corresponding to landmark-based information combined with personalcontacts-based information. A portion of the route guidance informationmay relate to other off-route information or off-route landmarks,possibly including a relation to a landmark beyond the destination, forexample, “Go south on Fifth A venue, towards the Empire State Buildingthat you can see straight ahead of you, but stop at the Chase bank atthe corner of 39th Street and do not reach the Empire State Buildingahead. Other suitable hybrid combinations of road-based route guidanceinformation, landmark-based route guidance information, and/or personalcontacts-based route guidance information may be used by route guidancegenerator 132 to generate the requested route guidance.

In some embodiments. optionally, one or more levels of detail (e.g.,generality or specificity) may be used in route guidance informationgeneration. For example, a first portion of the generated route guidanceinformation may be general, such as, “Go towards your sister's house”,whereas a second portion of the generated route guidance information maybe specific, such as, “Turn right at the Starbucks store located at thecorner of 36th Street and Seventh Avenue”. In some embodiments,generated route guidance information may include multiple route guidanceinformation portions having a common level of detail. In otherembodiments, generated route guidance information may include multipleroute guidance information having multiple levels of detail.

In some embodiments, optionally, the route guidance generator 132 maygenerate route guidance information including one or more informationportions which may be used for route validation, route segmentvalidation, location or destination validation, route recognition, routesegment recognition, location or destination recognition, userreassurance, or the like. For example, a route guidance informationportion generated by the route guidance generator 132 may include adirection such as “Go south on Fifth A venue for two miles, Central Parkbeing on your right side, and make a right turn at the water fountainimmediately at the end of Central Park”. Such information portion mayhelp the user understand or identify the route guidance information,recognize the correct route segment, orient the user, validate that theuser drives along the correct route segment, reassure the user that theuser drives along the correct route, or the like. A reassuranceinformation generated by the route guidance generator 132 item may be,for example, “Go north on Sixth A venue, make a left on 34th Street, andas you drive west on 34th Street you can see Macy's department store onyour right side”, corresponding to a landmark along the route segmentwhich may be used for routing recognition, validation, orientation, orreassurance. The validating information portion may be used, forexample, prior to advising the user of a change in the route, togetherwith advising the user of a change in the route, or after advising theuser of a change in the route. In some embodiment, reassuranceinformation may be, for example, textual, non-textual, verbal,non-verbal, pictorial, photograph-based, illustrational, audible, or thelike.

In some embodiments, optionally, the route guidance generator 132 mayselectively determine which landmarks to include in the route guidanceinformation, for example, from a group of multiple landmarks which maybe used, based on one or more criteria or algorithms. In one embodiment,for example, the route guidance generator 132 may select to utilize afirst landmark for route guidance instead of a second landmark, based onthe physical visibility or physical properties of the landmarks. Forexample, a landmark having high visibility may be selected, a landmarkhaving a relatively better visibility from a certain angle or routesegment, a landmark having better night-time visibility, or the like. Inanother embodiment, the route guidance generator 132 may select toutilize a first landmark for route guidance instead of a secondlandmark, based on semantic recognition or a contextual property of thelandmarks. For example, a six-feet sign showing an easily recognizablebrand or logo or business name (e.g., Citibank or Hilton) may beselected for landmark-based route guidance instead of an eight-feetbusiness sign showing an obscure writing which is less known or lessrecognizable (e.g., Jacob's Hardware Store or Aunt Sarah's Coffee Shop).In still another embodiment, the route guidance generator 132 may selectto utilize a first landmark for route guidance, by itself and/or insteadof a second landmark, based on estimated efficiency or relativeefficiency of utilizing that landmark for route guidance or routing. Forexample, in some embodiments, a highly visible landmark may not be usedfor routing or route guidance if the determined routing that utilizesthat landmark entails a significant detour or an increase in travel timeor an increase in travel distance. In contrast, in some embodiments, ahighly visible landmark may be used for routing or route guidance evenif the determined routing that utilizes that landmark entails arelatively small detour or a relatively small increase (for example, upto a pre-defined percentage value) in travel time or travel distance.Other efficiency or efficiency-related algorithms or criteria may beused in order to determine whether or not to utilize a particularlandmark (or personal contact) for routing or route guidance, and/or inorder to determine whether to selectively utilize a first landmark andnot a second landmark (or a first personal contact and not a secondpersonal contact) for routing or route guidance.

In some embodiments, mapping system 100 may include or present anadvertisement, a commercial, a coupon, a printable coupon or barcode, adiscount coupon, or other items, which may be associated with a landmarkused for routing or route guidance. For example, in some embodiments,mapping system 100 may utilize “John's Coffee Shop” as a landmark forroute guidance, may generate route guidance information such as “make aleft turn at John's Coffee Shop”, and may further provide the user witha coupon which may be used or redeemed at John's Coffee Shop. In someembodiments, optionally, this may be performed if John's Coffee Shopagreed in advance to provide the coupon to the mapping system 100, ifJohn's Coffee Shop paid an advertising fee to the operator of mappingsystem 100, or if other criteria or conditions are met. In someembodiments, for example, payment of an inclusion fee by a landmarkowner may be a condition for utilizing that landmark for routing and/orroute guidance provided by the mapping system 100.

In yet another embodiment, the route guidance generator 132 may selectto utilize a first landmark for route guidance instead of a secondlandmark, based on economical and/or commercial criteria. For example, afirst landmark may be selected for route guidance if the owner of thefirst landmark pays a fee (e.g., inclusion fee) to the operator of themapping system 100 (“a cooperating landmark”); whereas a second landmarkmay not be used for route guidance if the owner of the second landmarkdoes not pay the fee (“a non-cooperating landmark”). In still anotherembodiment, the route guidance generator 132 may select to utilize afirst landmark for route guidance instead of a second landmark, based onother criteria, for example, contextual criteria. For example, if a userrequests a route from his home to a podiatrist clinic, the mappingsystem 100 may select to utilize an orthopedic shoes store as alandmark, in the map generated by map generator 131 and/or in the routeguidance information generated by the route guidance generator 132,instead of utilizing a coffee shop as a landmark.

In some embodiments, mapping system 100 or one or more componentsthereof may be implemented as part of a vehicular or portable navigationsystem, a vehicular or portable global positioning system (GPS) device,a vehicular or portable route determination or route guidance device, orthe like. In other embodiments, mapping system 100 or one or more ofcomponents thereof may be implemented as a mapping server able to servemapping queries of one or more clients (e.g., vehicular clients,portable clients, non-portable clients, or the like), a routingdetermination server able to serve route determination queries of one ormore clients, a route guidance server able to serve route guidancequeries of one or more clients, an Internet application or site, a WorldWide Web application or web-site of web-page, a stand-alone softwareapplication, an embedded or integrated software application, an onlineor offline software or application utilized for searching names or phonenumbers (e.g., directory applications, phone directories, directoryassistance services, Yellow Pages directories or applications, WhitePages directories or applications, or the like), or other suitableapplications, services, devices or applications.

In some embodiments, a map generated by map generator 131 mayselectively include only one item, or only some items, from a group oflandmarks having a common property or attribute or category, or from agroup of landmarks of a common type, or from a group of the samelandmarks. The selection may be performed, for example, based on theusefulness of the selected landmark in route guidance to a destination.For example, in one embodiment, a village may have five gas stations,but not all of the five gas stations may be included or displayed in themap generated by map generator 131; instead, only a particular gasstation useful for route guidance to a requested destination may beincluded or displayed in the generated map, for example, as to notobscure or over-crowd the generated map with information not relevant toroute guidance. In some embodiments, for example, only one (or some) ofa set of landmarks may be used or displayed for route guidance ornavigation purposes, instead of using, including and/or displayingsubstantially all of (or a large number of) the landmarks.

In some embodiments, a map generated by map generator 131 may includelandmarks and/or addresses and/or latitude/longitude of personalcontacts, and may not include street names. Similarly, in someembodiments, route guidance information generated by route guidancegenerator 132 may include route guidance information based on landmarksand/or addresses and/or latitude/longitude of personal contacts, and maynot include route guidance information based on street names.

In some embodiments, for example, mapping system 100 may optionallyallow navigation based on non-linear elements, routing based onnon-linear elements, and/or route guidance based on non-linear elements.For example, a routing determined by route generator 136 need not bealong linear route segments, need not be along streets and avenues, andmay utilize non-linear elements for routing or route guidance. In someembodiments, for example, mapping system 100 may allow landmark-basedrouting or route guidance, or personal contacts-based routing or routeguidance, which may include crossing within a field, an open space, ashopping mall, a garden, a park, a national park, or the like. Forexample, in some embodiments, route guidance information generated byroute guidance generator 132 and routes generated by routing generator136 may not be limited to road-based routing (for example, “turn rightat 24th Street”), but rather may include non-linear elements in routing,off-network routing or free-style routing (for example, “go south onFifth A venue, make a right turn into Central Park at the WaterFountain, then make a left turn before reaching the Lake”). In someembodiments, mapping system 100 may allow routing and/or route guidancewhich may utilize non-linear elements.

Some embodiments may utilize landmark-based routing and/orlandmark-based route guidance. For example, landmark-based routing mayinclude determination or calculation of a route based on one or moreavailable or useful landmarks. For example, landmark-based routing mayselectively determine to generate a first route which passes near aparticular landmark useful for orientation or easily recognizable,instead of generating a second route which may not pass by thatlandmark. Additionally or alternatively, landmark-based route guidancemay be used. For example, even if a route is determined or calculatedwithout taking one or more landmarks into account, landmarks may stillbe used in the route guidance process, for example, by selectively andactively generating landmark-based route guidance information portions.

In some embodiments, mapping system 100 may utilize routing and/or routeguidance based on addresses of personal contacts, in accordance withpre-defined criteria. In some embodiments, for example, addresses ofpersonal contacts may be used for routing and/or route guidance based onthe efficiency or relative efficiency of including the personal contactaddress in the determined route, or based on the efficiency or relativeefficiency of routing or navigating or route guiding using a particularpersonal contact or landmark. In some embodiments, for example, personalcontact addresses may be used for routing and/or route guidance if thedestination is relatively far from the origin, and/or if a particularpersonal contact address is in proximity or relative proximity to thedestination. For example, in one embodiment, a user may request routeguidance information to move from 4th Street in New York City to 137thStreet in New York City, and the personal contacts of that user mayinclude a reference to “Jane Brown” whose office address is on 134thstreet in New York City; in response, the route guidance generator 132may generate route guidance information such as “Go north on SixthAvenue from 4th Street to Jane Brown's office on 134th Street”, or (at alower level of details, or a at a decreased level of details) “Get toJane Brown's office then take the first right going north” followed byadditional route guidance information to allow the user to reach hisoriginal destination.

In some embodiments, the information in the landmarks database 122 maybe selectively and/or dynamically updated, upgraded, augmented,corrected, enhanced, or otherwise modified by one or more users of themapping system 100, including local users and/or remote users. Forexample, a first version (e.g., a “native” version, an original version,an official version, or the like) of the information stored in thelandmarks database 122 may include a first set of landmarks; whereassubsequent (e.g., second, third, or the like) versions of theinformation stored in the landmarks database 122 may include subsequent,updated, sets of landmarks. In some embodiments, landmark informationmay be tuned, fine-tuned, corrected, augmented; or otherwise modifiedbased on users feedback, input or ratings and/or map data updates,and/or automatic feedback and/or input.

In some embodiments, for example, a user may indicate to mapping system100 (for example, using the input unit 112) that a landmark used bymapping system 100 is not appropriate, not relevant, does not exist,ceased to exist, moved to a different location, is not visible, has lowvisibility, is obscured or hidden, is not useful, is confusing, ismapped incorrectly, or the like. In response, the landmarks database 122may be updated, for example, by removing a landmark that ceased toexist, by updating the location of a landmark that moved, by correctinga location of a landmark having an incorrect landmark, or the like.

In some embodiments, for example, a user may indicate to mapping system100 that an additional landmark may be added to the landmark database122 and/or may be used by mapping system 100. For example, a user mayindicate that a new coffee shop is open and is available to be used forrouting or route guidance that a prominent graffiti painted on a wallcan be used for routing or route guidance, or the like. In response, thenewly entered landmark may be added to the landmark database 122. A usermay indicate the location of a new landmark, for example, utilizing apoint-and-click interface, by providing a street address, by providingan offset from another landmark or from a street address, by providinglatitude/longitude information, or the like. The user may enter adescription of the landmark, for example, a textual description, agraphical description, a photograph, or other information associatedwith the landmark or identifying the landmark.

In some embodiments, a landmark entered by a user may be added to thelandmark database 122 and may be used substantially immediately forrouting and/or route guidance. In other embodiments, a newly enteredlandmark may be added to the landmark database 122 but may not be usedfor routing and/or route guidance until a pre-defined condition orcriterion is met. For example, in one embodiment, a landmark entered byone user may not be used for routing and/or route guidance, whereas alandmark entered by more than one user may be used for routing and/orroute guidance. In another embodiment, for example, a landmark may beused only after its details are entered and/or validated by apre-defined number of users. In some embodiments, a landmark entered bya user may be associated with a rating value, and may be used forrouting and/or route guidance if the rating value is larger than apre-defined threshold. For example, a rating value may be increased ifmore than one user provide the landmark information to mapping system100, if one or more users validate or confirm the correctness of thelandmark and/or its usefulness for route guidance, if an independent orexternal source (e.g., a physical check, a GPS reading, an online checkof correctness or validity, an online lookup or search through adatabase or a lookup table, or the like) confirms the correctness of thelandmark and/or its usefulness for route guidance, if there is asignificant shortage or absence of landmarks in the vicinity of thenewly entered landmark, or the like.

In some embodiments, mapping system 100 may allow a user to providefeedback or input with regard to quality, correctness and/or usefulnessof landmarks. For example, a user may indicate that a landmark iscorrect, incorrect, useful for route guidance, not useful for routeguidance, misleading, visible, not visible, not visible at night,obsolete, or the like. The feedback or input may be collected frommultiple users and may be stored in the landmark database 122. Forexample, a landmark stored in the landmark database 122 may beassociated with a rating value, optionally stored in the landmarkdatabase 122.

In some embodiments, the rating value of landmarks may be taken intoconsideration by mapping system 100 in the process of map generationand/or route guidance generation. In one embodiment, for example,mapping system 100 may ignore landmarks having a rating value smallerthan a pre-defined threshold. For example, map generator 131 may notinclude such landmarks in the generated maps, and route guidancegenerator 132 may not relate to such landmarks in the generated routeguidance information. In another embodiment, for example, mapping system100 may select to use a first landmark and not a second landmark, if therating value associated with the first landmark is relatively higher orsignificantly higher than the rating value associated with the secondlandmark. Other suitable criteria may be used, and other suitablefeedback values, rating values, correctness indicators, usefulnessindicators, or quality indicators may be associated with landmarks.

Some embodiments may allow users to directly or indirectly update,correct, add, augment, delete and/or modify information stored in thelandmark database 122. The information stored in the landmark database122 may thus maintain or improve its accuracy and/or quality. Forexample, users' feedback and input may allow removal of landmarks thatare obsolete and/or are not useful for navigation or route guidance, mayallow addition of landmarks that are new and/or useful for navigation orroute guidance, may allow validation of existing landmarks, may decreasethe degradation rate or the decay rate of the information stored inlandmark database 122, or the like.

In some embodiments, landmark database 122 may distinguish betweenlandmarks included in an initial version of the database (e.g.,“original” landmarks or “official” landmarks), and landmarks added tothe database based on users feedback and input (e.g., “unofficial”landmarks, “social” landmarks, or users' landmarks). In one embodiment,a user of mapping system 100 may request a map and/or route guidanceinformation utilizing only “official” landmarks and disregarding“unofficial” landmarks; and in response, the mapping system 100 maygenerate such map and/or route guidance information. In anotherembodiment, a user of mapping system 100 may request a map and/or routeguidance information utilizing only “unofficial” landmarks anddisregarding “official” landmarks; and in response, the mapping system100 may generate such map and/or route guidance information. This may beperformed, for example, if a user requests a map of a national park,which may not have streets and avenues or other “official” identifiers,but rather may have one or more “unofficial” landmarks entered by usersand corresponding to various objects or features of the national park.In yet another embodiment, a user of mapping system 100 may request amap and/or route guidance information utilizing both “official”landmarks and “unofficial” landmarks; and in response, the mappingsystem 100 may generate such map and/or route guidance information. Instill another embodiment, a user of mapping system 100 may request a mapand/or route guidance information utilizing “official” landmarks and“unofficial” landmarks having a rating value greater than auser-selectable threshold value; and in response, the mapping system 100may generate such map and/or route guidance information.

In some embodiments, the rating value of a landmark, or other qualityindicator associated with the landmark, may be indicated on the mapgenerated by mapping system 100. In some embodiments, a color scheme, ascoring scheme, or other graphical coding scheme may be used to indicatequality or relative quality of landmarks, to indicate that a landmark is“official” (e.g., originating from the operator of mapping system 100)or “unofficial” (e.g., added to the landmark database 122 based on usersinput), or the like.

In some embodiments, optionally, “unofficial” landmarks entered by usersmay be used for fine-tuning current map information and/or for mappingunmapped areas and/or for mapping unmapped locations and/or for mappingunmapped points. For example, a national park may be unmapped, a largeshopping mall may be unmapped, an open field may be unmapped, a newhousing development may be unmapped, roads may be unmapped, and otherareas or locations may be substantially unmapped. Utilizing landmarksentered by users may allow the mapping system 100 to generate maps ofsuch previously-unmapped locations and areas, for example, to allowusers to explore the area, to allow users to traverse the areaefficiently, to allow users to park a vehicle at a particular parkingplace in proximity to their destination, to allow users to enter or exitthe area (or its vicinity) using a particular entry or exit to shortentheir traveling period, or the like.

Some embodiments may be utilized to map substantially unmapped areaswhich still exist throughout the world today. Although most countries ofthe world may be topographically mapped, it is estimated that majorportions of various countries are non-mapped, or non-mapped in a contextof commercially digitized road network maps. Furthermore, even if acountry is considered “substantially mapped”, it is not completely(namely, 100 percent) road network-mapped, for example, since roads maydisappear or get closed, new roads may appear, attributes change, newstructures and neighborhoods erect, or the like. In addition,user-generated content linked to maps is related to specific locationsand/or landmarks and their offerings (for example, business, social,cultural or recreational), and may have spatial relevance for geocodingbut not for map-usability or routing or route guidance.

In some embodiments, for example, a major road (e.g., highway I-95) maybe included in a database of a mapping system, whereas street-level datamay not be included in the database. According to some embodiments,information of official and/or unofficial landmarks may be stored in alandmark database, e.g., including a description of the landmark as wellas its location (using address and/or longitude/latitude). For example,the major road may be stretched similar to a line from north to south,and four landmarks may be located on the east side of the major road,reviewing from north to south: a first landmark, “the Happy Winery”, maybe located across the street from a second landmark, “the LionFountain”; these two landmarks may be located 120 meters north of athird landmark, “the Regency Theater”, which in turn may be located 75meters north of a fourth landmark, “City Hall”. The landmarks (or asubset thereof) may be used to generate, draw, render or otherwise referto an unofficial road connecting the landmarks (or a subset thereof),and optionally a name may be associated with that road (e.g., “theOrange Tour Road”). The unofficial road, as well as the landmarks or asubset thereof, may optionally be super-imposed on map(s) or maplayer(s).

Some embodiments may optionally include, or may be used in conjunctionwith, a geo-spatial layer that provides, for example, a uniformed methodfor recording and/or publishing local identifiers that accentuate abusiness location; guidance to locations via visual and/or intuitivefeatures and attributes; advertising based on routing, association,and/or destination related information; and/or using a database havingpositional and/or directional landmark references.

In some embodiments, route guidance information may be landmark-basedand/or personal contacts-based, and may utilize one or more routeguidance attributes, for example, positional attributes (for example,“across from”), directive attributes (for example, “north of”), qualityattributes or validity attributes or correctness attributes (forexample, indication that a particular landmark is “validated” or isassociated with a rating value or quality indicator), descriptiveattributes (for example, color, height and/or shape of a landmark),dimensional attributes (for example, “top of’ an object, or “along theway” type attributes), logical attributes (for example, “drive to” or“walk to” attributes), or other attributes.

Some embodiments may allow, for example, to create or indicategeo-reference locations with nearby landmarks; to define new landmarks;to customize maps with logos of landmarks and/or references oflandmarks; to present landmarks embedded within maps or as layers whichmay be overlaid on top of maps or removed from map displays; todetermine landmark-based routing, for example, to determine a route froman origin to a destination based on availability of landmarks forrouting purposes, based on visibility or quality of landmarks forrouting purposes, or the like; to generate factual routing or routeguidance, functional routing or route guidance, or predictive routing orroute guidance; to allow location adjustment tools and tracking; toallow business promotion; to track location history; to optionallyperform user profiling; to generate a references database with locationderivatives; or the like.

In some embodiments, mapping system 100 may selectively determine andpresent to the user a first instead of a second route, based on acalculation that takes into account the efficiency or quality oflandmark-based routing, for example, by itself and/or in comparison toroad-based routing. Optionally, the determined route may not necessarilybe the shortest route in length, but may be a route that a user can moreeasily follow in comparison with the shortest length route. For example,in some embodiments, mapping system 100 may selectively determine to usea first route segment or a first set of route segments, instead of asecond segment or a second set of route segments, if the first routesegment or set are associated with landmarks useful for route guidanceand the second route segment or set are not associated with landmarks.useful for route guidance, or if the landmarks associated with the firstroute segment or set have a higher quality or higher utility for routeguidance purposes than the landmarks associated with the second routesegment or set.

Some embodiments may allow efficient, user-friendly, quick, and/orimproved routing, route guidance, navigation, route recognition, routesegment recognition, or destination recognition. For example, someembodiments and/or landmark-based route guidance may be used if streetnames are not visible, if street names are not available, if thedestination is not visible, if the destination is better accessed bywalking rather than by driving, if multiple routes or route segments maybe used to reach a destination, if multiple routes or multiple routesegments are associated with street and/or landmarks having varioustypes of visibility, or the like.

Some embodiments, for example, may bridge between information presentedin a map and a user's spatial visualization abilities; may optimize orreduce driving time; may eliminate or reduce unnecessarycircling-around; may reduce driving or routing complexity or risks; maypromote business establishments in context of user-relevance and/oruser-immediacy; and/or may create further levels or layers of localcontent that may enrich the user experience.

Some embodiments may provide benefits and/or advantages to one or moretypes of users. For example, in some embodiments, a businessestablishment may promote its physical location, may strengthen itsbrand name, may increase its brand recognition, and/or may increase itsopportunity to transact business with a potential customer. In someembodiments, for example, a service provider may provide accurate,succinct and/or actionable location data, may increase its user base,and/or may reduce support overhead. In some embodiments, for example, amobile solutions provider may provide products and services toconsumers' attention when the consumers are mobile, and/or may increaseadvertising revenue. In some embodiments, for example, an applicationbuilder or developer may create unique application products, may targetparticular market segments, and/or may increase its market share. Insome embodiments, for example, a map database vendor may trace real-lifefeatures and attributes, and/or may reduce its map updating costs. Insome embodiments, for example, an end-user utilizing the mapping system100 may be provided with improved user experience and satisfaction;effective matching of queries regarding business locations; increasedsafety achieved by routing utilizing prominent landmarks along theroute; destination confirmation or route segment confirmation, achievedusing visible location identifiers; improved planning and/or decisionmaking; time saving and/or ability to arrive on time to the destination.

In some embodiments, maps generated by mapping system 100 may include ormay allow, for example, a map view, a satellite view, a bird's eye view,a hybrid view, or other suitable views. In some embodiments, routinginformation or route guidance information generated by mapping system100 may include, for example, driving directions, walking directions,bicycling directions, hiking directions, motor-biking directions, horsetrail directions, horse riding directions, sailing directions, flyingdirections, reverse routing (e.g., allowing a user to easily request areverse route leading from the destination to the origin), reverse routeguidance (e.g., allowing a user to easily request route guidanceinformation for a reverse route leading from the destination to theorigin), shortest time routing, shortest distance routing, routing toavoid tolls, routing to minimize tolls, routing to avoid highways,routing to minimize highways, or the like. In some embodiments, mapsgenerated by mapping system 100 may allow the user to perform variousother actions, for example, to create or send a “permalink” to thegenerated map or information, to send by Email the generated map orinformation, to send to a mobile phone number the generated map orinformation (for example, using SMS message or MMS message), to watchlive traffic associated with a map or a route or a landmark (forexample, using a web-camera or other stream video component), to producea printable or printer-friendly or printer-oriented version of thegenerated map or information (for example, in black and white, ingrayscale, fitting printer page dimensions, or the like), to create a“bookmark” or “favorite” or “shortcut” or hyperlink pointing to orlinking to the generated map or information, to allow a user to purchaseprints of generated map or information, or the like.

In some embodiments, mapping system 100 may generate a map and/or routeguidance information which may be utilized for driving reassurance,navigation reassurance, navigation validation, route recognition orroute segment recognition. For example, a map generated by mappingsystem 100 may include a route segment (for example, a portion of astreet between two intersections) and an indication that a particularlandmark exists along that route segment. For example, the generated mapmay include an indication of a clock tower (or other landmark orpersonal contact), which may exist along the street, or which may be offthe street but may be visible to a driver along that street.Additionally or alternatively, the route guidance information mayinclude navigation reassurance information or items, for example, byoptionally referring to landmarks or personal contacts which may be usedto reassure a user or driver that he travels along the correct route orroute segment. In some embodiments, the reassurance landmark or personalcontact may be off-route, or may not be in proximity to the route orroute segment; for example, the reassurance landmark or personal contactmay be distant from a route or route segment but may be visible from theroute segment or from a portion thereof.

In some embodiments, a reassurance information item may assure the userhe performed a correct action, turn, maneuver, change of direction,progress, or the like. For example, a reassurance information item mayinclude a phrase such as “Turn right into Highway 101, and after youmake the right turn and continue driving for one mile, you will see awindmill on your left side”. The reassurance information item mayindicate to the user he correctly performed one or more maneuvers, orthat the user is on the correct route to the destination.

In some embodiments, off-network or off-route landmarks may be used fornavigation reassurance and/or for routing or route guidance. Forexample, in some embodiments, mapping system 100 may generate a mapwhich may include indications of landmarks and/or personal contacts thatmay not be in proximity to a route or route segment, may be off-route oroff-route-segment, may not be along or aside a route or a route segment,may not be reached by vehicle, may not be reached by vehicle and/or byfoot, or other off-network landmarks or personal contacts. Additionallyor alternatively, such off-network landmarks or personal contacts may beused for routing and/or for generating route guidance information. Forexample, generated route guidance information may include an item suchas “Go south on Broadway, until you see the Empire State Building onyour left side, and then turn left”, even if the landmark of the EmpireState Building in New York is off the Broadway route or route segment.In another example, the generated route guidance information may includean item such as “Drive south on I-95 highway until you see a water silolocated half a mile inside an open field on the left side of thehighway, and then take the next exit of the I-95 highway”. In someembodiments, for example, an off-route landmark or personal contact maybe included or otherwise utilized in the generated map or routing orroute guidance information, for example, if the off-route landmark orpersonal contact is visible or otherwise recognizable from a particularroute or route segment or a portion thereof.

In some embodiments, mapping system 100 may generate a hybrid map orhybrid route guidance information, for example, including one or moreof: road-based map data, road-based route guidance information,landmark-based map data, landmark-based route guidance information,personal contact-based map data, personal contact-based route guidanceinformation, “official” and/or “unofficial” landmark-based map data,“official” and/or “unofficial” landmark-based route guidanceinformation, and/or other suitable layers of information.

In some embodiments, mapping system 100 may generate, provide and/ordisplay information (e.g., distance information, time information, orthe like) relative to one or more landmarks and/or personal contacts.For example, a user may request route planning from an origin to adestination. In response, the mapping system 100 may notify the userthat the destination is located 74 miles from the origin, that thedestination is located two miles from the house of the user's brother(e.g., as derived from the personal contacts list associated with thatuser), that the destination is located at a distance of approximatelythree minutes driving from the office of Doctor Brown (e.g., as derivedfrom the personal contacts list associated with that user), that thedestination is located approximately 140 feet from the Empire StateBuilding (e.g., derived from landmark information stored in the landmarkdatabase 122), that the destination is located at approximately twominutes driving distance from the Big Ben clock tower (e.g., derivedfrom landmark information stored in the landmark database 122), or thelike. In some embodiments, the distance information and/or thetime-related information relative to one or more landmarks and/orpersonal contacts may be generated, presented, displayed and/or modifieddynamically and/or in substantially real time, for example, taking intoaccount a current position of the user (e.g., utilizing GPS informationfrom GPS unit 135). In some embodiments, such information may provide,for example, reassurance to the user, peace-of-mind to the user, animproved estimation by the user of her estimated time of arrival (ETA)to her destination, an improved understanding by the user of the area ofhis destination, or the like.

Some embodiments of the invention may allow, for example, to refine orredefine landmarks data; to categorize landmark by map usage type (e.g.,and not necessarily by business types); to rank landmarks by usability(e.g., and not necessarily by functionality); to use landmark changes inorder to update a paid-advertising database; and/or to use landmarkchanges in order to update maps.

Some embodiments of the invention may allow, for example, landmark-basedrouting and/or guidance; visual route guidance, e.g., utilizing visuallandmarks along the route; suggestive routing or user-intuitive routing;efficient routing to hard-to-reach destinations or to peculiardestinations; routing utilizing off-route landmarks and/or off-networklandmarks; routing which uses substantially only GPS information andlandmarks, without map display; routing utilizing one or more personalcontacts; partial routing, in which route guidance information for afirst route segment has reduced details or substantially no routeguidance information (e.g., “go to your sister's house”), whereas routeguidance for a second routing has increased details (e.g., “go south onBroadway, turn right at 37th Street”); destination reassurance,confirmation and/or recognition; route or route-segment reassurance,confirmation and/or recognition; and/or allowing the user to mapsubstantially all his personal contacts, or a selected subset thereof.

Some embodiments of the invention may allow, for example, new searchcapabilities. For example, the mapping system may perform a search basedon items or landmarks that are visible from a road or a route segment.In some embodiments, for example, the mapping system may generate aroute and/or route guidance information, that selectively incorporate orutilize a certain type of landmarks (e.g., windmills), that selectivelyincorporate or utilize landmarks having a selected attribute (e.g.,landmarks visible at night time}, or the like.

Some embodiments of the invention may be used in conjunction with one ormore payment schemes, for example, routing contextual-paid advertising;navigation-ranked advertising; promotional advertising (e.g., frombusiness establishments that paid an inclusion fee); advertisingpurchased by a new business establishment to increase its exposure tousers that seek routing or route guidance information; and/or otherpayment schemes or commercial contexts.

Some embodiments may allow a user to produce a map showing locations{and optionally other attributes, e.g., names) of his personal contactsor a selected subset thereof. Some embodiments may not necessarilyutilize a fully operational mapping system, but rather may utilize aminiature version or a portable version or a stand-alone application ora plug-in for this purpose. For example, some embodiments may provide asoftware tool able to convert a list of personal contacts (e.g., from aMicrosoft Outlook software, from a Palm or other PDA device, or thelike) into map-ready information or map-able information, optionallyutilizing one or more map APIs. The tool may be implemented, forexample, as a stand-alone converter software, as an online application(e.g., the user may upload an exported list of personal contacts, andmay download a converted list or a map incorporating the personalcontacts), a plug-in or an extension to an existing software or to anexisting device, or the like.

In some embodiments, system 100 and/or components thereof may belanguage-independent and/or multi-lingual. For example, system 100 maybe able to receive input or data in one or more languages, and may beable to generate and/or present output or data in one or more languages.In some embodiments, a landmark may be associated with a textualdescription in one or more languages (e.g., English, Spanish, French, orthe like), and system 100 may selectively utilize a textual descriptionin a particular language, for example, based on a user selection of thatlanguage. In some embodiments, system 100 may concurrently utilizemultiple languages. Other language support schemes may be used.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a mapping system 200able to generate landmark-based routing guidance information inaccordance with another demonstrative embodiment of the invention. Insome embodiments, optionally, mapping system 200 may be a demonstrativeimplementation of mapping system 100 of FIG. 1.

System 200 may include, for example, a landmark-based (LB) platform 210,a mapping platform 220, a content platform 230, an application platform240, and one or more end-user devices 250. System 200 may optionallyinclude other suitable hardware components and/or software components.

The mapping platform 220 may include, for example, a geocoding module orunit 221 (e.g., including a geocoder and/or a reverse geocoder modulesor units) able to convert road-based address data to latitude/longitudedata or vice versa; a routing module or unit 222 (e.g., including arouting generator to determine a route and/or a route guidance generatorto determine route guidance information) able to determine or compute aroute, optionally having multiple route segments, between an origin anda destination; and an administration unit or module 223 to control theoperation of mapping platform 220. The mapping platform 220 may include,or may be operably associated with, mapping content 224, for example,geo-spatial information from which mapping platform 220 may generatemaps.

The content platform 230 may, for example, generate and/or handlecontent which may be added, combined with, linked to, and/or displayedwith maps and/or route guidance information produced by mapping system200. An aggregated content handler 231 may handle one or more types ofcontent, for example, third-party content 234 (e.g., a list of bankbranches and their respective locations as received from a bankinginstitution), original content 232 (e.g., provided by a paying businessestablishment), and user-generated content 235 (e.g., created by usersthat are members of the general public). In some embodiments,optionally, aggregated content handler 231 may augment or modifyinformation, for example, based on input received from other sources orfrom users. An administration unit or module 233 may control theoperation of content platform 230. In some embodiments, content platform230 or components thereof may administer and/or handle content of one ormore types, e.g., original content, aggregated content, user-generatedcontent, content provided or “fed in” by a third-party, or the like. Insome embodiments, content aggregation may not necessarily be performedby content platform 230, but rather in one or more other components ofsystem 200.

The LB platform 210 may include, for example, a verbal directions moduleor unit 211 able to record and/or publish landmarks leading to adestination; a spatial module or unit 214 able to generate a geo-spatiallayer, for example, a vertical, multilateral, positional and/or thematiclayer (e.g., a “virtual” spatial layer that may be combined withlandmark-based guidance); an advertising module or unit 213 able toselect or generate time-based, route-based, destination-based and/orcontext-based advertising; and a landmark-based routing module or unit212 able to select and/or determine routes, route segments, or routeguidance information utilizing landmarks and pre-defined criteria orpreferences.

In some embodiments, one or more components of the LB platform 210 maybe invoked, separately or cumulatively, by the application platform 240or by components thereof. For example, a converged device 246 mayutilize the verbal directions module 211 in order to provide to a userfree-style route guidance information similar to verbal directions. Theconverged device 246 may utilize the landmark-based routing module 212to provide to the user landmark-based routing, landmark-basedreassurance information, routing reassurance information, routerecognition information, destination recognition information, or thelike. The advertising module 213 may be used to allow advertising usinga map, for example, using visible landmark; for example, anadvertisement may be selected or presented based on a landmark used forrouting or for route guidance, and not necessarily based on a keywordused by a user.

In some embodiments, a positional reference database 215 of the LBplatform 210 may include, for example, positions of landmarks as can beseen by the naked eye in context of blocks, road signs, intersections,buildings, mountains, etc. that can be spatially mapped. For example, arecord for John Smith's office in the positional reference database 215may indicate that John Smith's office is situated two blocks south ofthe corner of Main Street and Fifth Avenue. In some embodiments,positional reference database 215 may include spatial information whichmay not be derived from a map database. This information may be utilizedfor route guidance to John's Smith's office in one or more ways. In someembodiments, for example, the route guidance information may guide theuser to reach the corner of Main Street and Fifth A venue, and then toturn right or left (e.g., depending on the direction the user arrivesfrom) and go two blocks. In other embodiments, the route guidanceinformation may guide the user to reach the corner of Main Street andFifth A venue and then to go south two blocks. Other suitableimplementations may be used

Some embodiments may utilize collaborative routing and/or collaborativeroute guidance information, for example, using positional references,positional relationships, attributes and/or semantics that providenon-topological relationships between landmarks, or information otherthan topology.

Some embodiments (e.g., embodiments that are able to determine a currentlocation of a user in substantially real-time) may advise a user what is(or which landmarks are) around the user, what is (or which landmarksare) across from the user or ahead of the user, what is (or whichlandmarks are) next to the user or in proximity to the user orsurrounding the user, what is (or which landmarks are) behind the useror in front of the user, what is (or which landmarks are) on the leftside of the user, what is (or which landmarks are) on the right side ofthe user, what is (or which landmarks are) below the user, what can beseen (or which landmarks can be seen) by the user if the user looks upor down or left or right or to other directions, or other positionalreferences or positional relationships to assist a user to locate orco-locate items or places. Some embodiments may utilize such informationfor route guidance.

The LB platform 210 may further include, or may be operably associatedwith, an administration unit or module 218 to control the operation ofthe LB platform or components thereof; one or more landmark database(s)216 storing “official” landmarks indicated by the operator of mappingsystem 200 and/or “unofficial” landmarks added by users of mappingsystem 200; and a collaborative relationship database 217 storingsemantic relationships between items or locations. In some embodiments,for example, information regarding a first landmark or a first businessestablishment may be marked as “validated” (e.g., true, or considered tobe true) based on input received from a second landmark or a secondbusiness establishment; for example, the collaborative relationshipdatabase 217 may store an indication that the “Three Bears Parking Lot”is validated by “John's coffee shop” which is adjacent to that parkinglot. In some embodiments, for example, the collaborative relationshipdatabase 217 may store indications that two or more particular landmarksare related to each other, for example, semantically, contextually, ornon-topologically. For example, the collaborative relationship database217 may store an indication that “Jack's Veterinarian Clinic” is located30 meters away from, or across the street from, “Natalie's Pet SupplyShop”. This information may be used, for example, to selectively utilizethe first landmark (“Jack's Veterinarian Clinic”) as route guidanceinformation for a user that requests to reach the second landmark(“Natalie's Pet Supply Shop”), or vice versa, or to otherwise utilize orco-utilize the information.

The LB platform 210 may optionally store (e.g., in one or moredatabases) information of personal contacts of one or more users(optionally including geo-spatial information of such personalcontacts), storing “cooperating landmarks” that paid an “inclusion fee”for their inclusion in maps for routing or route guidance purposes, orother landmarks information or landmark related information.

In some embodiments, for example, system 200 may utilize personalcontacts of one or more users. For example, a personal contacts database219 may be included in LB platform 210, or may be operable associatedwith LB platform 210, and may store information corresponding topersonal contacts of one or more users (e.g., raw information ofpersonal contacts, geo-coded information, reverse geo-coded information,converted information, re-formatted information, or the like. In someembodiments, personal contacts information may be obtained separatelyfrom each end-user device 250 optionally using various or multipleformats or file types; may be stored separately on each end-user device250 optionally using various or multiple formats or file types; may beobtained from each end-user device 250 and then stored separately orcumulatively in the LB platform 210 using one or more formats; may beconverted from a first format to a second format, or from variousmultiple formats to a common format, and then stored; or may otherwisebe obtained, converted, stored and/or utilized. In some embodiments,personal contacts may be stored by end-user devices 250, and may beconverted or re-formatted for utilization by mapping system 200.Although system 200 shows the personal contacts database 219 as acomponent of the LB platform 210, embodiments of the invention are notlimited in this regard, and personal contacts (in raw format or inconverted format) may be stored and/or utilized by other components ofsystem 200.

In some embodiments, the LB platform 210 may utilize (e.g., for mapping,for routing, and/or for route guidance information) a landmark whoseowner paid an “inclusion fee”, and may not utilize a landmark whoseowner did not pay an “inclusion fee”. In some embodiments, the LBplatform 210 may not utilize a landmark if an “exclusion fee” was paidin order to exclude that landmark from utilization (e.g., paid by thelandmark's owner, by a third party, by a competitor, or the like). Insome embodiments, the LB platform 210 may utilize a first landmark of aparticular category (e.g., a restaurant) and may not utilize a secondlandmark of that category if the owner of the first landmark paid an“exclusive fee” in order to remain exclusive, for example, for apre-defined time period. Other conditions or criteria may be used.

The application platform 240 may allow communication between the LBplatform 210, which may operate as a server in client/serverarchitecture, and one or more end-user devices 250 which may operate asclients in a client/server architecture. The application platform 240may include, for example, an internet connection module or unit 241 ableto receive mapping queries, to send response to mapping queries, toreceive route planning queries or route guidance queries, and/or torespond to route planning queries or route guidance queries; one or moreOEM applications or modules 242, for example, an application thatutilizes mapping and/or routing and/or route guidance; one or morepersonal navigation devices (PNDs) 243, a PND application, a PND server,or the like; a call center application or unit 244; an enterpriseapplication or network 245; one or more converged devices 246; and/orother suitable components, units or modules.

Although portions of the discussion herein may relate, for demonstrativepurposes, to systems or mapping systems using client/serverarchitecture, embodiments of the invention are not limited in thisregard, and may utilize other architectures or configurations. Forexample, in some embodiments, a mapping system or portions thereof maybe implemented using stand-alone devices, a stand-alone hardware, astand-alone software application, an embedded navigation system capableof operating in stand-alone mode, a stand-alone component in whichmultiple units (e.g., mapping system, landmarks database, content, orthe like) are embedded in a client device or a stand-alone component,systems in which maps and/or landmark information and/or one or moredatabases are stored on CD or DVD or Flash cards or memory units orother storage units, or the like.

The LB platform 210 may communicate and/or exchange information with theapplication platform 240 using, for example, an application programminginterface (API) 261. The LB platform 210 may communicate and/or exchangeinformation with the mapping platform 220 using, for example, an API263. The LB platform 210 may communicate and/or exchange informationwith the content platform 230 using, for example, an API 262.

In some embodiments, for example, the end-user devices 250 may include,for example, a mobile phone, a PDA device, a hybrid or combined mobilephone and PDA device, a desktop computer, a set-top box, a laptopcomputer, a portable computer, a pocket computer, a navigation device orunit, an Internet site, an Internet application, an online or offlineapplication, or the like. The end-user device 250 may utilize theapplication platform 240, for example, to directly or indirectly requestmaps, route planning, and/or route guidance information. The applicationplatform 240 may communicate with the LB platform 210, which may in turngenerate and provide the requested data, for example, the requestedmaps, route planning, or route guidance information. The LB platform 210may utilize landmark-based routing and/or personal contacts-basedrouting, may utilize data from the mapping platform 220, and may utilizecontent from the content platform 230. The requested maps, routeplanning, or route guidance information may be transferred back by theLB platform 210 to the end-user device 250 using the applicationplatform 240.

FIGS. 3-7 schematically illustrate demonstrative maps and routes whichmay be generated using some embodiments of the invention. The mapsand/or routes may be generated, for example, by mapping system 100 ofFIG. 1, by mapping system 200 of FIG. 2, or by other mapping systems ordevices in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

As schematically illustrated in FIG. 3, a generated map 310 may include,for example, road-based indications as well as landmark-basedindications and/or personal contacts-based indications. For example, map310 may include indications of streets 311 and 312, an indication of anavenue 313, an indication of a landmark 314 (clock tower) and anindication of a landmark 315 (Regency theater). Map 310 may optionallyinclude an indication for a route origin 318 and a route destinationpoint 319.

In some embodiments, optionally, the landmark indications 314 and/or 315may be represented using a graphical item having a contextual orsymbolic meaning corresponding to the represented landmark or associatedwith the represented landmark. For example, the landmark 314 (clocktower) may be represented using a graphical item of a clock, and thelandmark 315 (Regency theater) may be represented using a graphical itemassociated with the performing arts. Optionally, a landmark may berepresented using an illustration of a logo or a trademark associatedwith the landmark. In other embodiments, for example, a landmark neednot be represented using a graphical item associated with the landmark,and may be represented using a textual indication of the landmark's nameor description (e.g., a “Clock Tower” textual representation).

In some embodiments, optionally, a bubble, a balloon, a pushpin, anicon, or other identifier may be presented in proximity to the landmark,for example, to provide a textual description or name or logo or otherdetails about the landmark. For example, a balloon 316 having the text“Clock Tower” may be presented in proximity to landmark 314, and aballoon 317 having the text “Regency Theater” may be presented inproximity to landmark 315. In some embodiments, optionally, balloons 316and 317, for example, may be permanently displayed or included in map310, may be added into map 310 after a pre-defined time period, may beadded into map 310 in response to a user request, may be added into map310 in response to hovering of a pointing cursor over a landmark, may beremoved from map 310 in response to a user request or after apre-defined time period, or the like.

In some embodiments, map 310 may optionally include a route 320 or aportion thereof, for example, a driving route from origin 318 todestination point 319. Optionally, the route guidance information may beincluded and/or presented (e.g., optionally displayed withhighlighting), for example, in proximity to presenting map 310. Theroute guidance information may include, for example, landmark-basedrouting or route guidance. For example, the route guidance informationmay include a textual item “make a left turn at the clock tower” and“turn right at the Regency theater”.

In some embodiments, map 310 and route 320 may be presented or displayedin the context of a dynamic route guidance process, for example, using avehicular or mobile navigation system, routing system, positioningsystem, or the like.

In some embodiments maps may be presented from an angular or tiltedpoint-of-view, from a driver's eye point-of-view, in line with a currentmoving direction of a vehicle, or the like. Other modes of display maybe used.

In some embodiments, the display of the presented map may be dynamicallymodified and/or updated, substantially in real time, based on theprogress or movement of the user along a route.

In some embodiments, optionally, map 310 may include representations ofpersonal contacts of a user of map 310. For example, a personal contactindication 321 may represent the geographical location of “Jack Smith,Attorney” which details (name and address) may be included in thepersonal contacts of the user of map 310. Optionally, a balloon 322 mayprovide textual information or other information (for example, aphotograph of the personal contact) corresponding with the indication321. Similarly, a personal contact indication 323 may represent thegeographical location of a sister of the user of map 310.

In some embodiments, the route guidance information associated withroute 320 may optionally include information or instructions associatedwith the personal contacts represented by indications 321 and/or 323.For example, the route guidance item “make left at the clock tower” maybe replaced by, or augmented with, the route guidance item “turn left atthe last light before reaching your sister's house”. Similarly, forexample, the route guidance item “turn right at the Regency theater” maybe replaced by, or augmented with, the route guidance item “make a rightturn at the corner of Attorney Jack Smith's office”.

As schematically illustrated in FIG. 4, another generated map 330 mayinclude, for example, landmark-based indications and/or personalcontacts-based indications, but may not include street namesindications. For example, map 330 of FIG. 4 may be similar to map 310 ofFIG. 3, but map 330 of FIG. 4 may not include the street namesindications 311 and 312 of FIG. 3, and/or may not include the avenuename indication 313 of FIG. 3. In some embodiments, some users may findmap 330 to be less crowded with information and/or more convenient fortheir usage, in comparison with map 310 of FIG. 3.

As schematically illustrated in FIG. 5, yet another generated map 350may include, for example, landmark-based indications and/or personalcontacts-based indications, but may not include street namesindications, and further may not include illustrations of streets oravenues. For example, map 350 of FIG. 5 may be similar to map 330 ofFIG. 4, but map 350 of FIG. 5 may not include the linear depiction ofthe streets and avenues. In some embodiments, some users may find map350 of FIG. 5 to be less crowded with information and/or more convenientfor their usage, in comparison with map 310 of FIG. 3 and/or map 330 ofFIG. 4.

As schematically illustrated in FIG. 6, still another generated map 370may include, for example, landmark-based indications and/or personalcontacts-based indications, but may not include street namesindications, may not include illustrations of streets or avenues, andfurther may not include portions of the route 320 that are not requiredfor navigation purposes. For example, map 370 of FIG. 6 may be similarto map 350 of FIG. 5, but map 370 of FIG. 6 may not include lineardepiction of segments of route 320, and may include only route segments371 and 372 indicating a directional change or a navigational change inthe route 320. In some embodiments, some users may find map 370 of FIG.6 to be less crowded with information and/or more convenient for theirusage, in comparison with map 310 of FIG. 3 and/or map 330 of FIG. 4and/or map 350 of FIG. 5.

In some embodiments, optionally, an indication on a map corresponding toa personal contact may include a representation notifying the user thatthis indication is based on a personal contact of the user. For example,as shown in FIG. 6, the indication 321 of a personal contact may beaccompanied by an indication 391, for example, showing the abbreviation“PC” in proximity to indication 321, thereby notifying the user thatindication 321 is based on a personal contact. Other suitableindications may be used to notify the user that a particular map elementis associated with a personal contact of the user, or is derived fromthe personal contacts list of the user.

In some embodiments, optionally, an indication on a map corresponding toan “official” landmark (e.g., a landmark having information which iscreated and/or validated by an administrator of the mapping system) maybe presented together with a representation notifying the user that thisindication is based on an “official” landmark. For example, as shown inFIG. 6, the indication 317 of an official landmark may be accompanied byan indication 392, for example, showing “OF” in proximity to indication317, thereby notifying the user that indication 317 is based on anofficial landmark. Other suitable indications may be used to notify theuser that a particular map element corresponds to an official landmark.

In some embodiments, optionally, an indication on a map corresponding toan “unofficial” landmark (e.g., a landmark having information which isnot created and/or non-validated by an administrator of the mappingsystem, or based on non-validated information contributed by one or moreusers) may be presented together with a representation notifying theuser that this indication is based on an “unofficial” landmark. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 6, the indication 316 of an unofficiallandmark may be accompanied by an indication 393, for example, showing“UN” in proximity to indication 316, thereby notifying the user thatindication 316 is based on an unofficial landmark. Other suitableindications may be used to notify the user that a particular map elementcorresponds to an unofficial landmark.

Although FIG. 6 shows, for demonstrative purposes, both an indication392 of an “official” landmark and an indication 393 of an “unofficial”landmark, embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard.In some embodiments, for example, a map may include indications of (androute guidance information may refer to) both official landmarks andunofficial landmarks; in other embodiments, a map may includeindications of (and route guidance information may refer to) onlyofficial landmarks; in still other embodiments, a map may includeindications of (and route guidance information may refer to) onlyunofficial landmarks; in yet other embodiments, a map may includeindications of (and route guidance information may refer to) landmarksand/or unofficial landmarks based on user selection or based on“toggling” (on/off) official landmarks and/or unofficial landmarks.

Additionally or alternatively, an indication 394 showing “4 users” maynotify the user that indication 316 corresponds to an unofficiallandmark regarding which a total of four users contributed information.Additionally or alternatively, an indication 395 showing “QR 8” maynotify the user that indication 316 corresponds to an unofficiallandmark associated with a score or a “Quality Rating” (QR) having avalue of eight (e.g., in accordance with a pre-defined scale or scoringscheme). Other suitable indications may be used to notify the user ofvarious attributes of one or more personal contacts, official landmarksand/or unofficial landmarks.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow-chart of a method of mapping and routing inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention. Operations of themethod may be implemented, for example, by mapping system 100 of FIG. 1,by mapping system 200 of FIG. 2, and/or by other suitable units,devices, and/or systems.

As indicated at block 710, the method may optionally include, forexample, creating a landmark database. The landmark database mayinclude, for example, landmark description data and landmark locationdata.

As indicated at block 720, the method may optionally include, forexample, adding personal contacts data, e.g., to the landmark databaseor to another database. For example, personal contact description dataand personal contact location data may optionally be added to thelandmark database. This may optionally include importing, convertingand/or reformatting of personal contact data.

As indicated at block 730, the method may optionally include, forexample, receiving as input from one or more users an indication of arequest to modify the landmark database. For example, the received inputmay include an indication of a request to add a landmark, an indicationof a request to remove or delete a landmark, an indication of a requestto modify a location or a description of a landmark, or the like.

In some embodiments, user input may be optional and need not be receivedin order to trigger an update or a modification of the landmarkdatabase. For example, some embodiments, may utilize automatic feedbackwhich may not necessarily be based on a user request. For example, anautomatic feedback may be transmitted or utilized based on GPSinformation, or based on other information sources or triggers.

As indicated at block 740, the method may optionally include, forexample, modifying the landmark database based on the received input. Insome embodiments, optionally, the modification may be performed if oneor more conditions are met, for example, if the modification isrequested by a pre-defined number of users, if the modification isrequested by a trusted source or user, if the requested modification isvalidated or verified, or the like.

In some embodiments, modification or updating of the landmark databasemay be performed manually, for example, by an administrator of themapping system, based on users' feedback. In other embodiments,modification or updating of the landmark database may be performedautomatically or semi-automatically. For example, in one embodiment, adata feed may indicate that a business establishment (or a chain ofbusiness establishments) is “out of business”, and landmarks that arebased on that business establishment (or chain) may automatically beremoved or purged. In another embodiment, for example, information maybe received (e.g., from one or more users, or from a third-partyinformation provider) that a particular building is demolished (e.g.,intentionally, demolished for re-construction, demolished due to aterror attack or an earthquake or hurricane storm, or the like); basedon the received information, the landmark database may be updatedsubstantially automatically, to remove or purge business establishmentsthat existed in the demolished building. Other updating methods may beused.

In some embodiments, optionally, as indicated by arrow 745, theoperations of blocks 730 and 740 may be repeated, for example, to allowupdating of the landmark database from time to time, substantiallycontinuously, at pre-defined time intervals, when one or more conditionsare met, or the like.

As indicated at block 750, the method may optionally include, forexample, generating a map, a route, and/or route guidance information,optionally including a reference to a landmark, for example, anoff-route landmark.

Other operations or sets of operations may be used in accordance withembodiments of the invention.

Some embodiments of the invention may be implemented by software, byhardware, or by any combination of software and/or hardware as may besuitable for specific applications or in accordance with specific designrequirements. Embodiments of the invention may include units and/orsub-units, which may be separate of each other or combined together, inwhole or in part, and may be implemented using specific, multi-purposeor general processors or controllers, or devices as are known in theart. Some embodiments of the invention may include buffers, registers,stacks, storage units and/or memory units, for temporary or long-termstorage of data or in order to facilitate the operation of a specificembodiment.

Some embodiments may include devices and/or systems using one or moresuitable Operating Systems, for example, Microsoft Windows, MicrosoftWindows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows CE, MicrosoftWindows Embedded, Microsoft Windows Mobile, Unix, Linux, Sun Solaris,Palm OS, J2ME, BREW, an OS used by BlackBerry device(s), or othersuitable Operating Systems.

Some embodiments of the invention may be implemented, for example, usinga machine-readable medium or article which may store an instruction or aset of instructions that, if executed by a machine, for example, bydevice 100 of FIG. 1, by processor 111 of FIG. 1, or by other suitablemachines, cause the machine to perform a method and/or operations inaccordance with embodiments of the invention. Such machine may include,for example, any suitable processing platform, computing platform,computing device, processing device, computing system, processingsystem, computer, processor, or the like, and may be implemented usingany suitable combination of hardware and/or software. Themachine-readable medium or article may include, for example, anysuitable type of memory unit (e.g., memory unit 114 or storage unit115), memory device, memory article, memory medium, storage device,storage article, storage medium and/or storage unit, for example,memory, removable or non-removable media, erasable or non-erasablemedia, writeable or re-writeable media, digital or analog media, harddisk, floppy disk, Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), memory stick,secure digital (SD) memory card, Compact Disk Recordable (CD-R), CompactDisk Re-Writeable (CD-RW), optical disk, magnetic media, various typesof Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs), a tape, a cassette, or the like. Theinstructions may include any suitable type of code, for example, sourcecode, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code,dynamic code, or the like, and may be implemented using any suitablehigh-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled and/orinterpreted programming language, e.g., C, C++, Java, BASIC, Pascal,Fortran, Cobol, assembly language, machine code, or the like.

While certain features of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, andequivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, tobe understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of theinvention.

What is claimed:
 1. A navigation apparatus comprising: a route guidance information generator, operable on a computer processor, configured to receive a plurality of personal contacts that comprise one or more of: a location information, a description, and a route guidance criteria; and further configured to generate and store, in a computer memory, route guidance information for each personal contact to be used for route guidance for routes that traverse near each personal contact.
 2. The navigation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the route guidance information generator is adapted to generate route guidance information based on the route guidance criteria and the proximity of a proposed route to the location of each personal contact.
 3. The navigation apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a navigation engine, operable on a computer processor an operably connected to the route guidance information generator, wherein the navigation engine is configured to determine a route from an origin to a destination and to select route guidance information along the determined route in part from the stored route guidance information for personal contacts that are in proximity to the determined route.
 4. The navigation apparatus of claim 3 wherein the navigation engine determines a route that preferentially travels near one or more personal contacts and is not necessarily the faster or shortest route.
 5. The navigation apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a map generator to generate a map, the map comprising: at least a portion of a route from an origin to a destination; and an indication of the location on the map of at least one personal contact based on the location information from the personal contact.
 6. The navigation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the route guidance criteria are at least in part based on: visibility of a structure associated with the personal contact, and a rating for suitability for route guidance by the user or users of the navigation apparatus.
 7. The navigation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the route guidance is configured such that it can be presented to a user of the navigation apparatus as at least one of audio routing instructions on an audio output device or textual output on a display screen.
 8. A method comprising: receiving, by a computer processor, a plurality of personal contacts comprising: a location information, a description, a route guidance criteria; and generating a map, on a display device, including a plurality of indications corresponding the location of the personal contact's location within the bounds of the map.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the location information for one or more personal contacts is a street address and the mapping engine determines a location based on the street address.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein generating comprises: generating a map including a subset of indications corresponding respectively to a selected subset of said plurality of personal contacts.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein generating comprises: selectively including one or more indications corresponding to one or more personal contacts selected by: location within a pre-defined range from points on the proposed route, and within the extent of the map.
 12. The navigation method of claim 11 wherein the selective including is based on the route guidance criteria.
 13. The navigation method of claim 8 wherein route guidance criteria are a function of one or more of: the visibility of a structure associated with the personal contact, the familiarity of a user of the navigation method with the location of each personal contact, and one or more user inputted ratings of the suitability of the personal contact for routing information.
 14. The navigation method of claim 8 wherein the plurality of indications is at least one of an icon, a logo, and a textural description at the location of the selected personal contact. 